Postage meter and mail-marking machine



H. PITNEY POSTAGE {PETER AND MAIL MARKING MACHINE Original Filed March5, 1920 5 Sheets-Sheet l 3 vwemtoz:

A. H. PITNEY POSTAGE METER AND MAIL MARKING MACHINE 5 sheets-shat 2Original Filed M rh 25, 1920 Dec. 18 1923.

v A. H. PITNEY POSTAGE METER AND MAIL MARKING MACHINE Original FiledMarch 25, 1920 5 Sheets-Sheet Re. 15,734 A. H. PITNEIYY v POSTAGE METERAND MAIL-MARKING ori ifial Filed Mai-ch 25, 1920 S Sheets-Sfiaet 5 Dec.18 1923,

Willi;

III

a; 56 g a; I v

- sim le means "for actuating 50 the machine,

Resend Dec. 18, 1923:

I .m'rmm a. "runn or STAMFORD,

OUT, A CORPORATION OF DELAWABE.

To all whom it'may concern:

Be it known that I, ARTHUR citizen" of the United States, residin atSt-anfrfbrdg county of Fairfield, and tate of Connecticut have inventedcertain new and-"iis'eful1mprovements in Postage Meter andIMsil-Markirig Machines; and I hereby declare that the following 18afull, clear, and exact "description thereof, reference being had to theaccompanying drawings, which form part of this specification.

This-invention relates to mail marking machines and postage meters, forimpressing stamps upon-envelopes, cards, or the like of the type shownand described .in my Patents 0. I 1904, and No. 1,273,793, dated July23, 1918. The objectsof the present invention are To improve the type ofmachine shown in the latter patent so that the printing memher will beoutsideof the casing and always readily accessible for'inspection, andat the same time be inseparably operatively connected with theregistering mechanisms. dispense with shifting printing or serialnumbering wheels on i To provide novel-means whereby each ef-- fectiveoperation of the printing member shall be accurately. registered. Toprovide means whereby when "the printing mechanism has made apredetermined number ofoperations the related registering mechanism willbe automatically locked and remain locked .until 'such registeringmechanism is reset by the. proper authorized party. Toprovide noveltotal registering mechanism whereby the total number of actual stampedimpressions made-by the printing member will be recorded. To have 40 theregistering and the printing mechanisms readily bodily removable fromand replace able in the machine without theuse of an auxiliaryhousing,such as is employed in my last mentioned patent. To provide novel theregistering ,mec anisms from 'and by the rotation of the v printingmember. To provide novel means for locking against H; Pirivnr, a

To provide novel .means whereby the registering mechanisms will beprinting 753,207, dated February 23',

embodiment of the invention, an

To hereinafter describethe same in detail with the printing member. 7

p the printing member rotation whenit is removed from locked when theyare removed from the'ma- UNlTED STATES Paris-NT OFFICE.

connnc'rrou'rg 'nssrexon, BY nnsim 'nssmnlum'rs, 'ro rrrun-nownsros-raon METER column, or s'rmroan, common- POS'IAGE IETEB ANDMAIL-MARKING KACHINEQ Original No. 1,370,868, dated larch 8, 1921,Serial No. 868,701, filed inch 25, 1920. Application for reissue filedJanuary 8, 1923. Serial No. 611,507.

ing the registering mechanisms and carrying ositione printing renderedthe printing member is properly. in the machine the registering anmechanisms are automatically operable. Toprovide means whereby when suchcase is removed from the machine the member and the registeringmechanisms are automatically locked. To provide novel means forpreventing the operation of the printing member unless and until theinking member therefor is in proper operative position; and to enablethe printing and registering mechanisms to be made smaller and lighterand enhance-speed and lessenv shock.

Thejfo'regoing and other minor objects of the invention are attained byand in the mechanism shown in the accompanying drawings, whichillustrate one I will reference to said drawings; but the inven tion isnot restricted to the specific con-- structionsand combinations of artsshown although the machine illustrate is the best ractical practicalembodiment of the invention now known to me; capable of ment andcombination within the scope of this invention as set forth in theclaims fol lowing the detailed description of such drawings.

In said drawings;

but itsparts are or may be Figure 1 is a plan view of the machine.

Figure 2 is a front elevation with stacker ang stacker slide omitted.

plan of the trip mechanism.

Figure 4 is a side (View of 3.

Figure 5 1's an enlarged part sectionalplan yiew of the meterandcontrolling devices.

Figure 6 is a vertical sectional view on the line 6 6 Fig. 5. v Flgure 7is a sectional view on the line 77--Fig. 5;

variation in form and arrangegure 3 is an enlarged detail sectionalFigure 8,. is a section on the line F Figure 9 is a-detail. I p Figure10 is an enlarged sectional view ferred to, and after sectional View.

Figures 12 and 13 are detail top and front edge views of the registeringmechanismlocking plate.

Figure 14 is a detail.

, General description.

The machine shown in the drawings comprises a feed table 100 having aguide plate 101 and an envelope sealing attachment 102;a feed roller103, a separator roller 104, which is mounted in a swingable support 105by which the. letters are advanced to forwarding rollers 106 and 107 thelatter forwarding roller being mounted on a swingable support 108;andthese forwarding rollers 106, 107 direct the letter or object to fi beprinted to and past trip rollers 21, 22, hereinafter referred to, bywhich the letters are directed on past the impression roller 137 andprinting roller 38, hereinafter rebeing postmarked or stamped thelettersare discharged between cards, sheets,

rollers 108 and 109 in front of the stacker wheel 110, by which they arestacked in the usual manner on a table or rack 111.

The aforesaid parts are all actuated in proper time, with the mechanismhereinafter to be described but as they form no essential part of thepresent invention and are not claimed herein, therefore I have not ex-"plainedor illustrated the same in detail herein.

Hereinafter for the purpose of brevity 1 will referto the object to beoperated upon as a letter meaning' thereby to include papers, and anyother object which the machine is designed or adapted to operate upon.

The particular invention covered by the present applicationincludesmeans for printing or applying the postmarking stamps on theletters and to. a meter or mechanism for registering the number ofeffective operations of said printing or postmarking means; including asubfracting or limiting register; a total register,

'and'the controlling devices therefor, and means for controlling theoperation of the printer by the letters being operated upon so that theprinter and meter will only passing through for each letter The my)mechanism.

Referring more v particularly to Figs. 1 3 andA; 21 and 22 h are a pairof rollers commonly called tr'p rollers, between which the letters aresuccessively passed from the trip' roller 22 is preferfeed table. The

2 at the propertime. Membe a stud ably journaled on a swingable supportand guard 15, which has a part 15 which projects beyond the roller 22,and these parts are normally yieldingly pressed toward the roller 21 bya suitable spring, such as indicated at 22 in Fig. 1.

The shaft of the roller 21 is mounted in fixed bearings opposite theroller 22 and guard 15, and ranged beside and between the rollers 21 and22, beside the guard 15, and is slotted to accommodate the rollers 21and 22 so as not to interfere with their contact with the letter passingbetween them.

A trip finger 1 is pivoted on a spindle 27 and has a curved head orend 1. which projects in the path of the letter at the meeting line ofthe rollers 21 and 22 so that a letter passing between these rollers, orbetween the fence 16 and guard 15 will strike this trip ngerand willoscillate spindle 27. To spindle 27 is pinned an arm 2 and the tripfinger and arm 2 oscillate or move as one The trip finger is normallyheld iI1- piece. letter engaging position by a suitable spring, such asindicated at 28, arm 2 being arrested byabutting against a stop pin 29when the grooved member 13 having upper and lower disk like portions 13which guide the end of the link 3.

The two disk-like portions prevent perpendicularmovement of'link 3,

and the center portion. of they member 13 when engaged by the curved endof the link 3 forces out of engagement with the arm r 13 is made"eccentric'in order to admit of ready adj1ustment thereof to operate thetrip at the proper time. llhe trip link is normally held in position toengage the arm 2 and the shankof the member 13 by a spring 20 asindicated in the drawings.

The other end of trip link 3 is pivoted to one arm 40f a stop leverwhich is pivoted on a stud 4", and which arm {is normally held against astop 18 by means of a spring 19, that thus holds the trip link normallyretracted,

Thestop lever 4 (see Fig, 3) has an arm 4" which normally projects into'the path of an arm 5 of a-three-armed lever pivoted on a stud 5; andwhen in normal position a roller on the arm 5 contacts with a roller onthe arm 4 the arm 5, which is normally pressed toward the arm 4" bymeans. of a link 6 under action of a spring 9; The link 6 connects arm 5with a swinging lever 7 pivoted on on a part 26 of the frame of themachine; and ti is slotted for engagement with a pin 8,

7 guided in a hole in part 26; pin 8 is normally a fence or guide 16 isa rand arrests the movement of 1e upper free end of this lever urged toproject from theface of part Q6 in the. front of the meter casing 31when the latt'eris in proper position in the machine, as hereinafterexplained.

The triple lever, of which arm 5 forms a part, has an arm 5" whichnormally projects into the path of the finger 11 of the clutch releasemember of a clutch 11 mounted on a shaft 30, which shaft is constantlydriven by a gear 30 fixed thereon and meshing with the .usual trainofearing in the machine;

so as to be constant y rotated when the machine is in operation; suchgearing being.

well known and it is not or describe same herein. I

The clutch 11 is preferably a so-called roller clutc of knownconstruction and unnecessary to describe herein except in its particularrelation to the ,workin of this necessary to show machine; the finger 11of the c utch release member protrudes from the body of the clutch inposition to be engaged by arm 5". A stop 11 on the clutch casing is alsoadapted to engage arm 5 and take up the shock of the stop age of theclutch and parts affected there y.

The clutch 11 is normally disengaged from the shaft 30 b contact of itscontrolling finger 11 wit the arm 5*, and the tripplej lever is heldin'this engaging position so long as arm4 arrests the movement of arm5". When the part 11 is moved back toward 11" it renders the clutchinoperative. The lug 11 relieves the comparatively light piece 11 fromevery other duty except releasing the clutch rollers.

The tripple'lever having arms 5, 5",-also has an arm 5 carrying a.roller adapted to engage a cam 11, turned on the clutch case; which camengages the arm 5 and returns the lever to its original position to stopthe clutch after it has completed one revolution. Rebound of the clutchand parts connected therewith is prevented by a pawl 12.

The mter or registering deilices. The meter for registering theoperations of the printer comprises a hollow base 31' therefor, and a.printer and register actuating devices and locking devices," the wholebeing so constructed that the printer and cured by means of theregisterin mechanisms are removable from and repaceable in the 'machineas a unit. v

As shown the base 31 is closed by a. plate 32 held in position by screw46, Fig. 6, which is inaccessible when the door is closed and locked.The screws fastening bar 33 to the base 31 are covered by plate 32 andare also inaccessible until it is removed.

Rising from the inner end of base 31' is a standard 31* which has an arm31 at its upper end in which is journaled the upper end of a spindle 37,the lower end of which is journaled in bearings in the bar 33. Spindle37 carries the printer 38 and letter guide wheel 39. The spindle 37 hason its lower end a cylindric head 47 (Fig. 7 which is provided with akey 47. This head also carries a gear 40 within the base, and'a disk 40*having a single notch 40, which is adapted to be en agedby a tooth 66'on a lever 66, hereina ter referred to (see Fig.

The key 47 of the head is disposed diametrically of spindle ,37 and proects through an opening in the base plate 32 and is adapted to engage acorrespondingly slot.-

ted member 20 attached to the clutch 11, when the meter is in positionon the mathine.

Part QO, (Figs. 4 and 14:) is a floating connection between the clutch11 and spun -.dle 37.' It has .a slot 20 in the top and a key 20" on itsbottom arranged at right angles to each other; which respectivelyengage. a key and a slot .on the ends of thespindle :37 and clutch 11,while permitting of a slight variation in the alinemen-t of the spindles30 and '37. y j

. As shown the top plate of the machine is provided with a horizontallydisposed slot into which the base 31 can be slid to place the meter inthe position indicated in igs. 1 and 2, the slot having grooves 31 (F g.4) in its sidesadapted to be engaged by IlbS 31 on the sides of the base31 (see Fig. 7), andv when properly placed in operative p0s1 tion inthe-machine the meter maybe sea tooth 150 adapted to engage a notch inthe bottom plate 32 and provided with a finger portion 151 whereby thetooth may beisengaged from the remove the meter; and this catch mavbenormally held in engagement by a spring 152 of any suitable kind.

a lever (Fig. 6) having base when it is desired to ion . When the meteris slidinto place in the I machine the key 47 is arranged parallel?"withthe longitudinal axis of the base 31, and i's adapted to telescopewith and enter the slot QOKin the upper .end of -the member '20. i

I The printing The printing member or-printer? 38 may pinion 43 onspindle 44. T

shoWnin m be of an suitable For the urpose of postmar -stampin lettersit shou d be provided with suitabe dies for printing the stamp upon theletter, and may be rovided" with canceling lines if desired. T epostmark-stamp die may be such, for example as patents above referredto, or my Patent 0. 753,207; or in Patents No. 1,274,831 and No.1,273,793. The rinting surface may be of any suitable or esirable kind,but in the present instance I do not wish to provide the printer withserial num berin mechanism, although .such might be used if desired.

Inseparably fixed to and mounted upon the base 31 at the outer side ofthe standard 31 is a box or case 34 having upper and lower hinged doors35 and 36 on its outer side and Which case incloses the countin orregistering mechanism of the meter.v ach door 35 and 36 should beprovided with a suitable lock, such as a Yale lock, so that it 1c{ouldonly be opened by a certain master ounted within this case 34 is ahorizontally disposed shaft 45 having a bevel pinion 45 meshing'with a.bevel pinion 44 on the upper end of a shaft44 (see Fig. 10), which issuitably journaled in the case and extends into the base 31. Motion isimparted to the spindle 44 from the shaft 37 by means of intermediatepinions 41 and 42 respectively meshing with pinion on s indle 37,. andis gearing is adapted to dri-ve'shaft at the same speed as spindle 37.

The registefing mealarms ms.

Mounted within the case are two-se arate registering mechanisms, T andL, whic may of any suitable construction. 'As shown each mechanismcomprises a, series of usual numeral disks provided with -the usualratchet and carry over devices (not shown). he upper mechanism T is aapted to be operated .from shaft 45 by means of a link 45 engaging aneccentric 45 on the. shaft 45, and the lower mechanism L is suitablyoperated by means of a link 45", engaging an eccentric 45 on the shaft45. The registering mechanisms per se form no part of the presentinvention, and therefore it is not necessary to describe the same indetail here in. .The construction is such that for each rotation of thespindle 37 shafts 44 and 45 will be rotated once, and the unit numeralwheel in each registering mechanism T and L will be shifted one point.

The registering mechanisms T and-L are separated by apartition 48 incase 34 so placed that when either door 35 or 36 is opened to ive accessto the adjacent regis: tering mec anism, the other mechanism isinaccessible, each registeringmechan'ism is only accessible through itsrelated door.

istering mechanism L has a disk 49 has tened to and revolving therewith;such disk 49 has a single peripheral notch therein and is so positionedthat the notch will be in position to receive a projection 5O on alooking plate 50, when zero on the related numeral wheel 49 appearsopposite the sight aperture in door 36.

locking plate 50 is pivoted at 50" (Fig. l0) below theregisteringmechanism. The late 50 has projections 50*, Fig. 11, on itsront end adapted to engage the notches in a the disks 49. It also has arear end projection or finger 51 that engages an opening (Fi 9) in theend 52 of alever 53 hereina ter referred to. The plate 50 may be engagedby a spring as at 50, which normally urges its front end upto enga eprojections 50 with the slots in the disks 49 and consequently lowerfinger 51.

A lever 53 is pivoted at 53 in the base 31 so as to swing horizontally,and this lever has its forward end upturned as at 52, (Figs. 5, 6, 9,10, 11) and this upturned end projects into the-path of the finger 51 ofthe locking plate 50, and has a slot provided with an inclined portion52 (Fig. 9) adapted to engage the correspondingly beveled side of thefinger 51. The opposite side of the slot in end" 52 is provided with anotch 52 adapted, in one'position of the lever 53, to be engaged by thefinger 51 to hold the locking plate in engagement with the locking disks49 as hereinafter described. I I

The inner end of the lever 53 has a seg mental head 54, Fig. 11, whichis adapted to close an opening 58 in the inner end of the base 31, whenthe locking plate 50 has locked the registering wheels. This head 54 isprovided with a socket 54 which is adapted to register with the hole 58when thelocking'pla-te 50 is released, as hereinafter explained. Thelever 53 is engaged by a spring 55, which tends to holdit in theposition shown in Figs. 5 and 11,when the plate 50 has locked theregister L.

VVhenthe lower registering mechanism L is locked'by the plate 50 and theparts are in position as shown in Figs. 5, 10 and. 11, the registeringmechanism cannot be shifted; nor can the lever 53 and locking plate 50be released until and unless the door 36 is into the case the finger ofthe operator when the door 36 -11) the front end opened to permit accessto a resetting lever 57. This resetting lever is pivoted at 57" in thebase 31,.and its inner'end is connected by a link 56 with the adjacentend of the lever 53.; Said lever 57 has an upstanding portion 57, on itsfront end which extends 34 in position to be engaged by is opened. Thislever 57 can only be reachedwhen door 36' is opened. The lever 57 isonly used to return lever 53 and .locking plate 50 back to their properposition in recharging or resetting the meter.

A latch 59 (Figs. 5, 6 and 11) is pivoted at its rear end within thecasing and has a downwardly bent front end that rests upon the top ofthe end 57 of the-lever 57, when the meter is "charged andready foroperation; but when the Iockingplate 50 locks the lower registeringmechanism (thus per mitting spring 55 to throw levers 53 and 57 into theposition shown in'Figs. 5 and of latch 59 drops down he side the part 57of lever 57 and prevents re setting of the parts 53, and 57 and 50,until door 36 is opened and lever 59 raised by hand and lever 57' pushedback by hand.

Latch 59 may be depressed by asprin 63. Said latch is connected by alink 66 wit 1 anoscillating indicator 61 which underlies a sight opening34 in the top of case 34, and which indicator is marked to show that themeter iseither charged or discharged,

. the meter when charged being ready for inking roller may be held insition to contact with; the" replacement in the machine for furtheroperation, and when so that it will not operate further until reset.-

VVhen latch 59 drops over the end 57 of lever 57 the link 60 isdepressed and rocks indicator 61 to discharged at the sight opening 34.

The inking mechanism.

is mounted on a swingable bracket or arm.

124 rigidly connected to the upper end of ashaft 23, ig. 3, is suitablymounted 'in the frame at one side of the meter; so that the inkingroller 123 can be turned from the position shown in full lines in Fig.'1, where it contacts with the printer 38; into the position shown indotted lines in Fig. 1 where it would notcontact with the printer. The

operative poprinter 38 by means of a catch 125 having a'tooth adaptedtoengage a notch in the end of the support 124 as'indicated in Fig. 1 thislatch bein controlled by a suitable spring.

if ast'to the shaft 23 is'a cam 14 (Figs. 3and 4) which cam is adaptedto engage the trip-link 3 and move it out of position to bedischargedbeing locked be supplied with ink I prefer to employ roller isswung out of position to contact with the printer, so that movin the"inking roller out of contact wit the printer 38 automatically rendersthe trip mechanism ineffective; and thus the.

machine is prevented from being run, without inking the printer when itis being used to postmark-stamp letters. Also if it is desired to runthe machine merely to seal the letters without printing. them the? ad-"justment of the inking mechanism out of the way automatically. throughthe de scribed devices, renders the trip mechanism and the printerinoperative.

Preferably the inking roller 123 is adjustably connected to the slide124 bymounting the inking roller on a slide 127, which is fastened tothe support 124 by a thumb screw 128.. When the inking roller 5 isturned out of operative position, as indicated indotted lines in Fig. 1,it may beadjusted into contact with agage pin 25, which is so fixed inthe machine that if the periphery of the inking roller is set up againstthis gage pin when the support 124 is .in

the osition indicated in dotted lines in F ig. 1,-t en the periphery ofthe inking roller will properly exactly contact with the print ingsurfaces on the printer 38 and properly supply ink thereto when theinking mechanism is turned toioperative position shown in full linesiii" Fig. 1.

Amiliary locking devices.

To prevent the printer 38 being accidentally ;orpurposely turned whenthe meter is charged bpt not on the machine; and to insure the alinementof the key 47 with its Y j-mating slot 20 in the clutch member 20 whenreplacin the meter in the machine; rovide auxiliary locking' devices ofany suitable kind. As shown (Figs. 5, 7 8 and '11) a disk 40" issecurely fastened to the gear 40 of the printer spindle 37 andrevolveswith it.. Said disk has a notch 40 adapted to receive a lug 66on a latch 66 when the printer is at its rest position. Latch 66ispivoted at 67 in the base and is guided. 'by-a pin. 69, and said latchis normally urged to engage its lug 66 with notch 40 in disk 40 byspring 68.

When the meter is in place in the machine a pin 17 (Figs. 3 and 4)securely fastened to part inner'end of base 31 occupied byrpin 69Fig.-11, and displaces pin 69, moving it backward against the action ofspring 68 and carrying with it the latch 66,-thus disengaging lug 66?from disk 40". v When the meter is removed'from the machine the pin 69resumes its place as shown in Fig. 11 and latch 66 engages notch 40 andlocks the printer in rest position.

Latch 66 could be tampered with when the meter is oil the machine bypressing I register andone subtracted in the pin 69 thus releasin theprinter, but then the printer couldnot be turned if latch plate 50 is inlocked engagement with register L. Even if lock plate 50 was out oflocking engagement with register L, if latch 66 was disengaged from disk4,0 to release the printer with an intention to defraud, such intent isdefeated by the fact that the registers being actuated by eccentrics theturning of the printer in either direction has the same efi'ect on theregisters; that is, one will be added to the count of the upper from thelower register for each revolution of the printer in either direction.The latch 66 however is intended to keep the spindle 37 and its relatedkey 47 in alinement with the groove in art 20 when the meter is removedfrom an replaced in the machine.

Operations. 7

- should be set in accordance with the number meter can be placed in theof impressions or postmark-stamps which it is desired to have themachine apply to letters before the registering mechanisms shall beautomatically V lockied. Then the machine and operated until the totalnumber of impressions for which the register Liwas set have been orduring any num register L is initially set for,

iistering' mechanism will be 7 When it is desired to made; theseimpressions may be made during one continued'opgration of the machine;

r of successive operabut when the machine many operations as .the lowersaid lowerregautomatically locked, and the meter can then be removedfrom the machine and register L reset, by arproperly authorized personhaving charge tions of the machine; has made as of the keys by whichaccess can be had to the registering devices, as above explained. resetthe meter after it has performed the number of operations for .which thelower register -L was set;

the meter may be removed from the machine,

or it ma be reset while on the machine, as preferre but ordinarily it isbetter to remove the meter for resetting it; and the resettingoperationis as to lows To charge or set the meter.Unlock and open owerdoor 36, raise latch 59 clear of lever 57,- move lever 57 to the leftas'far as it will go; this will turn lever 53 through .will, swing oversothat door 35. This top v point the 'head 1. of the trip after it hasleft the the medium of the link 56 and the end 52 of locking lever 53will, by reason of the inclined. surface 52, raise the finger 51 oflocking plate and lower its front end out of engagement with the disks49. While lever 57 is held in this position the ten thousand or extremeleft hand, numbering wheel of register should be turned one division oruntil it shows the figure 9 so that the notch in its disk 49 will not bein position to register with the related tooth 50 on plate 50, and beheld disengaged from all the other disks 4.9. Lever 57 may then bereleased and the wheels in the numbering mechanism L turned to'thedesired setting, moving each plate 50 will therebywheel until the rightnumeral appears at the operation of the printer one number is subtractedfrom the number appearing at the reading point on the lower re ister L.This operation continues till the ower register reads 00000, at whichmoment the slots in all 'the disks 49 in the lower register L come intoalinement and. the locking plate 50 .will engage them; and its,finger 51will move down in the slotted end 52 of lever 53 and engage the notch52; and lever 53 its end 54 closes hole 58; and lever 53 moves lever 57with it, allowing latch 59 to drop, locking all the parts as tor 62 sothat Discharged at the sight opening 34".-

The top register T is continuous in its .is displayed described, andshifting indicaaction, and is not to be reset; and beingin a different.compartment of the case cannot be tampered with except by opening thetop register shows the total number of imprints or operations of theprinterregardless of the various settings of the lower register.

Operation of the tripping devices.

The letter or piece of mail matter passing through the machine is fedbetween the trip 3 At this rollers 21 and .22 (See Fig.

nger 1 obstructs its passage and must be to clear the way. This isaccomplished by the roller 22 under action of 1ts spring pressing theletter against the unyielding roller 21 and fence 16. The part 15' actsina similar manner to roller 22' and serves to further support the endof the letter bite of the two rollers 21 and 22.

When the trip finger 1 is thus force to forced back i move itcarries-with itthe arm 2 which in .turn moves link 3 and it rocks part4". out

of thepath of the arm 5.

"Assuming all parts to be in operative position, and condition, and thehole 54 in lever 53 in register with the hole 58 in base 31, so thatthere is no obstruction to the projection of the pin 8 into the base 31.Vhen part 5 is released by the movement of part 4* the triple leverturns on its stud 5 sufficiently to cause arm 5' to release the clutchmember 11 which causes clutch 11 to revolve with the spindle 30 which iscontinually in motion. During such revolution of clutch 11 cam 11engages the lower arm 5 of the triple lever and returns it to a positionwhere its arm 5' will again engage finger 11 and stop lug 11? anddisengage the clutch and stop the rotation of the printer spindle 37 andconnected parts;

The trip link 3 is disengaged from arm :2 by reason of its cam-shapedend 3" contacting the guide 13 as soon as the link has caused arm 4 torelease arm 5, and the spring 19 immediately returns link 3 to positionshown in full'lines in Fig. 3

without having to wait for the finger 1 to return after the passage ofthe letter. This insures the return of part- 4* in time and place toarrest arm 5* and prevent a second revolution of the printer.

This completes the cycle of operations of the trip mechanism.Such'operatio'n may be repeated indefinitely once for and duringthepassage of each letter through the machine, until the lower register ofthe meter reads zero, when the lever 53 is automatically moved to closethe opening 58 and prevent pin 8 entering socket 54* and consequentlypreventing oscillation of part 5. Other parts of the trip are free tomove, but will have no effect on the printer so long as pin 8 cannotenter socket 54.

The machine shown in'Figs. land 2 is adapted to moisten and sealenvelopes, separate themfrom a pile, pass them a through the printingmechanism, place the desired impression thereupon, and discharge themsealed and printed ready for mailing,-

and keep track of the number of letters operated upon at any oneoperation of the machine, and any series of operations of the machine,but the sealing mechanism forms no part of the present invention. Toenable the machine to be used for post-mark-stampingmail requiringdifferent amounts of postage, the machine may be provided witha set ofinterchangeable meters, as above described, (each metercomprising acase, a printer, and .registering mechanisms constructed and adapted tooperate as above described) but the printer in each case bearing apostmark-stamp die of a denomination different from those of theprinters in the other meters. Thus one meter could be used for printing'and regis-l terlng 52 postage; another 3 postage;

another 6 postage, and so on, according to the varieties of postage andthe amount of meter substituted therefor adapted to print the propervalue of postage upon the letters.

In order to obviate the possibility of any of the mechanisms beingjammed or injured in case the actuating mechanism contained in the meterfails to properly operate, I preferably arrange a friction clutch at asuitable point between the power mechanism and the. roller clutch 11,preferably by connecting the gear 30 to shaft 30 by means of a frictionclutch, so that if there should be any binding or failure of the partsof the meter to work properly the friction clutch would slip and thusprevent injury to any of the otlierparts by reason of the positiveaction of the roller clutch.

What I claim is:

1. In a machine of the character specified, means for feeding letterspast a, printmg point; a meter bodily removable from and replaceable inthe machine adjacent the printing point, printing means adapted to beoperated when the meter is in the ma chine; a trip mechanism adapted tobe inatically preventing the operationof the printing means when it hasmade a-predetcrn'nned number of revolutions. 3. In mechanism as setforth 1nclaim 1, a registering.=mechanism in the meter, means foroperating the registering mechanism one 'pointifor each operation of theprinting means, and means for locking the registering mechanism whentheprinting means has made a predeterminednumber of operations.

, 4. In a machine asset forthdnclaim 1, the meter carrying one-ofthe'printing members, substantially as and for thepurpose specified. 7

5. Inmechanisrn as specifiedin' claim. 1,- a printer'carryingspindle inthe meter provided with a part projecting outside the meter casing; acontinually driven shaft; a

member adapted to be engaged by said part 1 when the meter is positionedin the machine;

and clutch means for connecting such member with the continuously drivenshaft when permitted'by the trip mechanism.

6. In mechanismas set forth in claim l,

a printer carrying spindle in the meter pro vided with a key projectingoutside the meter casing; a continually driven shaft in the machine; amember adapted to be driven by said'shaft, said member having a slotadapted to be engaged by the said key when the meter is positioned inthe machine; and a clutch for connecting this member with the shaft whenpermitted by the trip mechanism.

7. In a machine as set forth in claim 1,

' means for inking the printer, andmeana whereby the trip mechanism isrendered ineffective if the inking means is not in operative position.

8. In a machine as set forth in claim 1, means for inking the printer,and means whereby the trip mechanism is rendered ineffective if theinking means is not in operatixe position, a printer carrying spindle inthe meter provided with apart prowctmg outside the meter casing; acontinually driven shaft; a member adapted tobe. engaged by said partwhen the meter is positioned in ,the machine;and clutch means forconnecting such member with the con tinuously driven shaft when the tripmechanism.

9. In mechanism as set forth in claim 1, a registering mechanism in themeter, means for operating the registering medianism one point for eachoperation of the printing means, and means for locking the registeringmechanism when the printing means has made a predetermined number ofoperapermit-ted by tions, a printer carrying spindle in the .meterprovided with a part projecting outside the meter casing; a continuallydriven shaft; a member adapted to be engaged by said'part when the meteris positioned in the machine; a'nd clutch means for conne"ting filcllmember with the continuously driven shaft when permitted by the tripmechanism.

10. In mechanism as set forth in claim 1, a registering mechanism in themeter. means for operating the registering mechanism one point for eachoperation of the printing means, and means for locking the registeringmechanism when the printing means has made a predetermined number ofoperations, a second: registering mechanism in the meter; and means vforoperating this second mechanism simultaneously with the firstregistering-mechanism. V 11. In mechanism as set forth in claim 1, aregistering mechanism in the meter, means for operating'the registeringmechanism one pointfor each operation of the printing means, and meansfor locking the registering mechanism when the printing means has made apredetermined number of operations; a second registering mechanism inthe meter; and means for operating this second mechanism simultaneouslywith the firstregistering mechanism; and means whereby access cannot behad to either registering mechanism except through a related opening inthe meter casing.

12. In a .machineof' the character specified in claim 1, means in themeter for automatically preventing the operation of the printing meanswhen it has made a predetermined' number of revolutions; a printercarrying spindle in the meter provided with a part projecting outsidethe meter casing; a continually driven shaft; a member adapted to beengaged by said part when the meteris positioned in the machine; andclutch means for connecting such member with the continuously drivenshaft when permitted by the trip mechanism. I l

13. In a machine of the character specified in claim 1, means in themeter for automatically preventing the operation of the printing meanswhen it has made a predetermined number of revolutions; a printercarrying spindle in the meter provided with a key projecting outside themeter casing; a continually driven shaft in the machine; a memberadapted to be driven by said shaft, said member having a slot adapted tobe engaged by the said key when the meter is' positioned inthe machine;and a clutch for connecting this member with the shaft when permitted bythe trip mechanism.-

14. In a postmark-stamping machine having means for feeding letters pasta printing point; and an impression member in the p machine at theprinting point; of a meter bodily removable from and replaceable in themachine adjacent the printing point, said meter carrying a printeradapted to cooperate with the impression member when the meter is in themachines; a trip mechanism adapted to be actuated by the letters passingthrough the machine; and means controlled by the trip mechanism foroperating the printer once each time a letter 5 passes through themachine; with means for locking the printer whenthe meter is removedfrom the machine.

15. In a postmark stamping machine as set forth in claim 14, means inthe meter for automatically preventing the operation of the printer whenit has made a predetermined number of revolutions.

' 16. In-a machine as set forth in claim 14, means for inking theprinter, and means v wherebythe trip mechanism is rendered ineffectiveif the inking means is notin operative position, I

17. In mechanism as set forth in claim 14,

a registering mechanism in the meter, means for operating theregistering mechanism one point for each operation of the pr1i 1t. ingmeans, and means for locking the registering mechanism when the printingmeans has made a predetermined number of operations.

18. In mechanism as specifiedin claim 14,

a printer carrying spindle in the meter pro-. vided with a partprojecting outside the meter casing; a continually driven shaft- .amember adapted to be engaged by sai part when the meter is positioned inthe machine; and clutch means for connecting suchmember with thecontinuously driven shaft when permitted by the trip mechanism.

f 0nd. m chani m simultaneously with the first re 'stering mechanism.

21. n mechanism aS set forth in claim 14,,

19. In mechanism as set forth in claim 14:, a printer carrying spindlein the meter provided with a key projecting outside the meter casing; acontinually driven shaft in the machine; a member adapted to be drivenby i said shaft, said member having a slot ada ted to be engaged by thesaid key when t e meter is'POSltlOIN-Bd in. the machine; and a thismember with the clutch for connectin shaft when permitted by the tripmechanism. 1 V

20. Inmechanism asset forth in claim 14,

a registering mechanism in the meter, means,

for operating theregistering mechanism one point for each operation ofthe printing means, and means for locking the registering mechanism whenthe printing means has made a predetermined number of operations; asecond regi ring mechanism in the meter; and means for operating thisseea registering mechanism in the meter, means for operating theregistering mechanism, one point for each operation of the printingmeans, and means for locking the registering mechanism when the printingmeans has made a predetermined number of operations; a secondregisteringmechanism in the meter; and means for operating this secondmechanism simultaneously with the first registering mechanism, separatedoors inthe meter casing permittin 7 access to the respectiveregistering m anisms, and means whereby access cannot be had to eitherregistering mechanism except through its own door. l

22. In a mail marking machine the com- "bination of a printing member,numeral wheels; means ior shifting said wheels one unit for eachefiective operation .of the printing member; mechanism for mail matterpast said member to imgressions therefrom; said printing member bodilyremovable fromand replace able in said machine; means adapted toprovent. of said" w heels when said printing member isre'moved' from theinabination of a chine; and means whereb said wheels are automatically"released w en-the printing.

member is replaced in operative position in the machine.

23. In a mail marking machine the com-- meter car g numeral wheels;means for shifting said wheels one iinit for each effective operation ofthe printing member when the meter is in the machine; mechanism fordirecting mail matter past .said member to receive impressionstherefrom; saidprinting member being bodily 'reinovableirom and relaceable in said machine; means ada to preventshifting of said wheelswhen said meter is removed from the ma-- chine; and means'whereby saidwheels are automatically released when the meter is replaced inoperative position in the machine. 24. In a mail marking machine thecom:

ing member cooperating with said impression member;mechanism fordirecting mail ing members to receive impressions,- numeral wheels; andmeans for actuating said printing member, a removable bination of animpression member; aprinte matter between the impression andprintwheelsfrom the printing member, said printing member and wheels beingremovable from and replaceable in o sition; means to prevent shifting ofsaid wheels when they are removed. from the machine; and means wherebysaid wheels are automatically released when replaced in operativePosition in thfmachine.

25. In amailmarking machine the combination of an impression member; 'aprint.-

rative poing member cooperating with said impres-l sionmember;.mechanism for directing. mail matter between the impression andprinting members to receive impressions, a meter carr ing numeralwheels, and means for actuating said wheels and said printing member,said meter-and saidprinting member being removable from and replaceablein operative position means. to prevent shifting of said wheels whenthey from the machine;

meter is replaced the machine.- V v 26. Ina mail marking machinelthecommechanism -for carrying mail matter past .said member in position toreceive impres.-'

-sions therefrom; numeral'wheels operativel'y connected with saidmember, and removable with .said memberfrom and re-.

placeable with'said member in said machine means adapted to-p'revent shftin of sax numbering wheels when said mom 1 ism vmoved-from themachine; and means where: bythe said wheels are automaticallyre-- leasedwhen the. memberv and wheels are replaced in operative position in themachine.

" 27. In a mail marking machine the comare removed. and means wherebysaid "wheels are automatically released when the i in operative position"in;

.bination of rinting member; feeding v printing. point;

" erat-ively connected with bination of a printing member; feedingmechanism for carrying mail matter past said member in posltiontoreceive impressions therefrom; and numeral wheels ,op-

said member, and removable with said member from operative position and.replaceable with said member in operative position; means adapted toprevent shifting of said wheels when the member-is removed from themachine; and mean's whereby said wheels are'automatically'released whenthey are replaced in operative position in the machine. 28. In a'machine of the character fied, means for forwarding letters past theclutch controlled driving means for operating the printing means; and atrip mechanism adapted to be operated by a letter passing through themaechine for releasing the clutch to permit the printing means to operateonce for each letter passing throu h the machine; with a removable meterad in the machine, means for automatically operativelv engaging theprinting; means with the clutch controlled driving means as and when themeter is properly positioned in the machine; and means for automaticallylocking the printin means when the meter is removed from t e machine. I

29. In a machine as set forth in claim 28, means in the meter forautomatically preventing the operation of the printing means when it hasmadea predetermined number of operations.

30. In mechanism as set forthin claim I 28, a registering mechanisminthe meter,

nism one point for means for operating the registering mechaeachoperation of the printing means; andmeans for locking the registeringmechanism when the printin means has made a predetermined number 0operations.

31. In a machine as set forth in claim 28, the meter carryingone of theprinting members, substantially "as and for the purpose specified.

\32. In mechanism 28, a rinter carrying spindle in the meter provi edwitha part projecting outside the meter leasing; a continually drivenshaft; a member adapted to beengaged by said part when the meter ispositioned 1n the machine; and clutch means for connecting suchmemberwith the continuously driven! shaft when nism.

33. In a mechanism as set forth in claim 28, a rinter carrying spindlein the meter provi ed with a key projectin outside the meter casing; acontinually rivelf shaft permitted by the trip mechain the machine; amember adapted to be I .means for operatmg the register ng mechadrivenby said shaft, saidmember havinga slot adapted to be engaged by the saidkey,

speciapted to be. placed in as specified in claim for connecting thismember with the shaft when permitted by the trip mechanism.

34. In mechanism as set forth in. claim 28, a registering mechanism inthe meter, means for operating the registering mechanism one point foreach operation of the printing means; a second registering mech-- anism'1n ating this second mechanismsimultaneously with the first registeringmechanism. 1

35. In 'a machine as set forth in claim 28, means in the meter forautomatically preventing the operation. of the printing means when ithas made a redetermined number ofoperations; a registering mechchine;and a clutch -anism in the'meter, means for operating the registeringmechanism one point for each the meter; and means for operfor lockingthe registering mechanism when the printing mearw has made apredetermined number of operations. k V 36. In a machine as set forth 1nclaim 28, means in the meter for automatically preventing the operationof the printingmeanswhen it has made a predetermined number ofoperations; a registering mechanism 111 the meter, means for operatingthe reglstering mechanism one point for each 0 ration of the printingmeans; and means or lookthe registering mechanism when the printingmeans has made a predetermlned number of operations; a secondregistering mechanism in. the meter; and means for ,37. In mechanism asset forth in claim 28, a registeringmechanism in the meter,

means for operating the registeringmechanism one point for eachoperationpfthe 1 printing means; and means for-locking the x nregistering mechanism when the printing means has made a predeterminednumber of operations, a second registering mechanism in-the meter; andmeans for operating this second mechanism simultaneously with the firstregistering mechanism.

38. In mechanism as set forthin claim I 28, a registering mechanism inthe meter,

means for operating the registering mechanism one point for eachoperation of the printing means; and means for locking the registerlngmechanism when the prmting means has made a predetermined number ofoperations; a second registering mechanism in the meter; and means foroperating this second mechanism simu1taneously with the firstregistering mechanism; the registering mechanism b'ein only accessiblethrough a related opening in the meter casing.

39,111 mechanism asset forth in claim 28, a registering mechanism in themeter,

mechanism when the printing m h z made a predetermined number ofoperations; a second registering mechan sm the metercasing; means foroperat ng this second mechamsm simultaneously wit the first registeringmechanism; separate doors in the meter casing permitting access to therespective registering mechan isms; and means whereb access cannot behad to either registering mechanism eicept through its own door.

40. n a machine as set forth in claim 28, means in the meter forautomatically preventing the operation of the printi means when it hasmade a predetermine number of operations; a registering-mecha- -nis1 nin-the meter; means for operating the ering mechanism one point-for eachoperation of the printing means; and means fol-locking the registeringmechanism when the printing means has made a predetermined number ofoperations a second regisoperating 'ouslywith the first registering,mech'amsm;

' printing point; imprees revolutions.

43. In mechanism as setforth in claim,

tering mechanism inthe meter; means for this second mechanismsimultaneand means whereby access cannot had to the registeringmechanism except through a related opening in the meter casing.

41. In. a machine of the character specified, means for forwardingletters past the ion means at .the printi 7 point; a printer adapted tocooper ate wit the impression means; clutch con trolled means for driv'the printer; and a trip mechanism ada to be operated by a letter throughthe machine for 0: x1 releasing the clutch to permit the printer to malce one revolution for each letter-passing through the machine; with aremovable meter adapted to be placed in the machine adjacent theprinting .point, said meter carrying-the printer; means forautomatically operatively engaging the printer with the clutchcontrolleddriving means as and -when the meter is properly positioned inthemachine; and means for automatically locking the printer when themeter'is re-, moved from the machine.

' 42. In'a machine as set forth in claiin 41, means (in the meter forautomatically venting the operation of the e(printer w en it has made apredetermin number-of 41, .a registering-mechanism in the' meter,

means iorioperating the registering niecha one oint; for' each rotationof the printer,"and means for locking the' regis-. terinlg mechanismwhen the printerhas made a predetermined number of operations."- '44. Inmechanisms as specified in claim ter carrying spindle in the meter.

41 a rm prbvidbd with apart projecting outside the meter casing; acontinually driven shaftya member adaptedtobe engaged by said part when.mechanism. one point for each rotation when the lmeans for locking theregiste when the meter is positioned in the machine; and clutch meansfor connecting such member with the continuously driven shaft rmitted bythe trip mechanism. 7

'45. n mechanism as set forth in claim 41, a printer carrying spindle inthe meter provided with a key project' outside the meter easing; acontinually driven shaft in the machine; a member ada ted to be drivenby said shaft; said mem r having a slot adapted to be engaged by thesaid key when the meter is positioned 1n the machine; and a clutch. forconnecting this member with the shaft when permitted by the tripmechanism. I 46. In a machine as settforth in aim 41, means in the meterfor automatica y pr'e venting the operation of the printer when it hasmade a predetermined number of revolutions registering mechanism themeter, means for operating the registering the printer, and means forlocking the registering mechanism when the rinter has made apredetermined number 0 operations.

47. In mechanism as set forthin claim 41,

a registering mechanism in the meter, means for operating theregistering mechanism one point for each rotation of the printer, andmeans for locking the registering mechanism printer has made apredetermined number 0 operations; a second registering mechanism in themeter, and means for operating this second mechanism, simultaneousl withthe first registering 48. n mechanism as s'etforth in claim 41, aregistering mechanismin the meter, mean 7 for operating the registeringmechanism one point for each 'rotation of the printer;- and ringmechanism when the printer has made a predetermined number 0 operations;a second registering mechanism in the meter casing; means for operatingthis second mechanism simultaneously with the first registeringmechanism; separate doors in the meter casing permitting access to therespective registermg mechanisms, and means whereby acce$- cannotbe hadto eitdier registering mechnism except through its own door. 49. In amachine of the oharacterspecified, the. combination of means forforwarding letters, a trip adapted to be engaged by a. gassing letter, arinter actuating member, a riven shaft, a c utch membefforcbnnecting theprinter actuating member-1m the driven shaft, a lever'adapted'to hold.the clutch member inactive a stop adapted to hold said lever-engage'with the clutch; a link con with the stop; and means connected with thetrip adapted to move the link and cause the sto to release the leverwhen the tripismove by a letter.

'50. In mechanism asset fo h in claim "49, means for automatically.disengagingfthe link from the trip to permit the stop to move toposition to cause the lever to disengage t e clutch member, and means tostop. the printer when, it has made one revolution.

51. In mechanism as set fortlrin claim 49, a cam carried by the clutchmember adapted to engage said lever and return it to position todisengage the clutch and stop the rotation of the printer when thelatter has made one revoluion.

52. In mechanism as set forth in claim 49, a vibrating memberoperatively connected with the lever; and a spring pressed pin .engagedwith said member; with a removable meter carrying \mechanism forregistering the number of operations of the printer; means in said meterfor locking the regis teringmechanism, and devices in said meter wherebywhen the registering mechanism is locked and the meter is in the machinethe said'pin is arrested in such position that it will through itsconnections prevent said mechanism is locked the pin is arrested insuch' position that it will through its con-' prevent said leverreleasing the.

nections' clutch.

54. In mechanism as specified in olaim 49, r a printer carrying spindlehaving a keg; an e a member having a slot adapted to engaged by said kesaid member being connected with the c utch member;

55. In mechanism as set forth in claim 49,

means for inking the printer; a movable sup-,, port for the inkingmeans; and a device connected with said support whereby when the inkeris movedout of operative position thetrip link cannot be operated by thetrip and "the printer is prevented from operating.

56. In combination with mechanism as set forth in claim 49, means forinkingthe printer; a swingable support for the inking means; and a cammember. connected with said support adapted when the inker has moved out.of

I operative position to engage thetrip link and holdit out of'engagementwith the trip arm, -'th'e clutch releasing mechanism being therebyrendered ineflt'ective and the printer prevented from operat- Inmechanism as set forthin claim 49, means for automatically disengagingthe link from the trip to permit the stop to move-to position to causethe lever to'disengage the clutch member, and a cam carried by theclutch member adapted to engage said lever and return it to position todisengag the clutch and stop the rotation of the printer when the latterhas made one revolution.

58 In mechanism as set forth in means for automatically disengaging thelink from the trip to permit the stop to move to position to cause thelever to disengage the clutch member and stop the printer when the samehas made one revolution; a vibrating member operatively connected withthe claim 49,

lever; and a spring pressed pin engaged with said member; witharemovable meter carrying mechanism for registering the number ofoperations of the printer; means in said meter for locking theregistering mechanism, and devices in said meter whereby when theregistering mechanism is locked and the meter is in the machine the saidpin is arrested in such position that it jwill through its connectionsprevent said lever releasing the clutch. 1

59. In mechanism as set forth in claim 49,

means for automatically disengaging the link'from the trip to permit thestop to move to position to cause the lever to disengage the clutchmember andstop the printer when the same has made one revolution; a linkconnected with the lever for holding the clutch member inactive; aswingable member, connected with said link; and a spring pressed pinurging the member in one direction; with a meter carrying the printerand mechanism :Eo registering the number of operations of the printer;devices in said meter for locking the registering mechanism; and devicesin said meter whereby when the registering mechanism is looked the; inis arrested in such position that it will through its connectionsprevent said lever releasing the clutch. I

60. In mechanism as set forth in claim 49,

means for automatically disengaging the link from the trip to permit thestop to move to position to cause the lever to disengage the clutchmember and stop the printer when the same has made one revolution; aprinter carrying'spindle havingLakey; and a member having a slot adaptedto be engaged I) said key, said member being connected wit '1 the;clutch member.

61. In mechanism as set forth in claim 49, means for automaticallydisengaging the link from the trip to permit the stop to move toposition to cause the lever-to disengage the clutch member and stop theprinter when the same has made one revolution; means for inking theprinter; a movable support for the inking means; and a device connectedwith said support whereby when the inker is moved out of operativeposition the trip link cannot be operated by the trip, and the printeris prevented from 0 rating.

' 62. In mechanism as set orth in claim 49,

.a cam carried by theclutch member adapted to positionto cause the;lever to msc means for: automatically disengaging the link from the tripto permit the sto to move isengage the clutch member and stop theprinter when the same has made one revolution, vmeans for inln'ng theprinter; a swingable support for the inking means; and a cam.memberconnected. with said support adapted whenv the inker has moved out ofoperative position to engage the trip link and hold it out of engagementwith the trip arm, the clutch releasing mechanism being thereby renderedinefiective and the printer prevented from operating.

63, In mechanism as set forth in claim 49 to engage said lever andreturn it to position to disengage the clutch and .stop the rotation ofthe rinter when the latter has made one revolution, a vibrating memberoperatively connected with the lever and a spring pressed pin engagedwith said member; with a removable meter carrying mechanism forregistering the number of operations ofthe printer; means in said 'meterfor locking the registering mechanism and devices in said meter wherebywhen theregistering mechan- I ism is locked and the meter is in the ma-.chine the said'pin is arrested in such position that it will throughits connections prevent said lever releasing the clutch.

' 64. In mechanism asset iorth inclaim 49, a cam carried by the clutchmember adapted to engage said lever and return it to position todisengage the clutch and stop the rotation of the printer when thelatterhas made one revolution, a'link connected with .the lever forholding the clutch member inactive; a swi ble member connected with saidlink; ai i a, spring pressed pin urging the member in one direction;with a meter carrying the printer and 'mechafor registering the numberof operations of the tgrinter; devices in said meter for locking eregistering mechanism, and devices in said meter whereby when theregistering mechanism is locked the pin is arrested in such positionthat it will through its connections prevent said lever releasing theclutch.

65. In mechanism' as set forth in claim' 19, a cam carried by adapted toengage said lever and return it. position to disengage the,v clutch 'andstop the clutch member the rotation of the printer when the latter hasmade one revolution; a printer carrying spindle having a key; and amember having aslot ada to be engaged by said key, said mem r beingconnected with, the clutch member. v

66. In mechanism.

;-a cam carried by the clutch member adap 7 tion to rotation of the prnterwhen the latterhas to engage said lever and return it toposidisengagethe-clutch and stop the pin en said tering mechanism forthin claim 49 ted to position to disengage the clutch and "stop therotation of the printer when the latter has made on revolution, meansfor inking the printer; a swingable support for the inking means; and acam" member connected with said support adapted when the inker has movedout of operative position to engage the trip link andhold it outlofengagement with the trip arm, the clutch reeasing mechanism beingthereby rendered inefiective' and the printer prevented from operating;g 68. In mechanism as set torth: in claim 49, a vibrating memberoperatively connected with the lever; and a spring pressed aged withsaid member; with a removab e'meter carrying mechanism for registeringthe' number of operations of the printer; means insaid meter for lockingthe registerin mechanism, and devices in said meter w erebg mechanism islocke and the meter is in the when the registering machine the said pinis arrested in such 7 position that itwill through its connectionsprevent said lever releasing the clutch; a second registeringmechanismin the meter casing; andmeans for operating this sec; and mechanismsimultaneously with the first registering mechanism. 'A,

69. In mechanism as set forth in cla m 49, a vibrating memberoperatively connected with the' lever; and a spring pressed pin engaged.tering mechanism, and devicesin said meter whereby when the registeringmechanism is the meter isrin the machine the locked and ]pin is arrestedin such pos t on that' it wi through its connections prevent said leverreleasing" the clutch; a second regisin the meter casing; means foroperating this second mechanism simultaneously with the firstregistering 'mechanism; and separate doors'iuthe meter casing rmittingaccess to the respective registering mechanisms, substantially" asdescribed.

v 70. In mechanism asset fortli in'claiin 49,

a link connected with the lever for holding the clutch member inactive;a swingable member connected with saidglink; and a sprin pressed pm the?mem e s-i wi nesses-wr t printer and mechanism for registering thenumber of operations of the printer; devices in said meter for lockingthe registering mechanism, and devices in said meter whereby when theregistering mechanism is that it will throu h its connections preventsaid lever releasing the clutch; a second registering mechanism in themeter casing; and means for operating this second mechanismsimultaneously with the first registering mechanism. 1. In mechanisms asset forth in claim 49, a vibrating member operatively con- 16 nectedwith the lever; and a spring ressed pin engaged with said member; wit aremovable meter carrying mechanism for registering the number ofoperations of the printer; means in said meter for locking theregistering mechanism, and devices in said meter whereby when theregistering mechanism is locked and the meter is in the machinethe saidpirr is arrested in such position thatit will through its connectionsprevent said lever releasing the clutch; a second registering mechanismin the metercasing; means for operating this mcond mechanismsimultaneously with the first registering mechanism; and separate doorsin the meter casing permitting access to the respective registeringmechanism, substantially as described.

72. In mechanism as set forth in claim '49, a vibrating memberoperatively connected with the lever; and a spring pressed pin engagedwith said member; with a removable meter carrying mechanism forregistering the number of operations of the printer; means in said meterfor locking the registe mechanism, and devices in said meter w erebywhen the registering mechanism is locked and the meteris in the machinethe said pin is arrested in such position that it will through itsconnections prevent said lever releasing the clutch; a second registerinmechanism in the meter casing; means or operating this second mechanismsimultaneously with the firstregistering mechanism; and separate doorsin the meter casing permitting access to the respective registeringmechanisms, and means whereby access cannot be had to either registeringmechanism except through its own door.

73. In a machine of the character specified having printing means; meansfor directing letters past the printing means; devices whereby theprinting means is permitted to make one operation each time a letterpasses the printing point; and a removab e meter; a registeringmechanism in the meter, means for operat ng the registering mechanismone point for each operation of the printing means, meansfor locking theregistering mechanism when the print locked the pin is arrested in suchpositioning means has made a predetermined number of operations, anddevices controlled by the register locking means whereby furtheroperation of the printing means is prevented when the register islocked.

74. In a machine of the character specified, means for forwardingletters; a trip finger adapted tobe engaged by a passing letter; aprinter actuatingmember; a driven shaft; a clutch for connecting theprinter actuating member to the driven shaft; a lever adapted to engagethe clutch and stop the rotation of the printer; a stop adapted toengage said lever to hold the clutch disengaged; a trip link connectedwiththe stop, an -an arm connected with the trip finger adapted'toengage trip link and cause the latter to move the stop arm and releasethe said lever when the trip finger is moved by a letter.

.75. In mechanism as set forth in claim 74, meansfor automaticallydisengaging the trip link from the trip arm to permit the stop to moveto the position to engage the lever and cause it to disenga the clutchand stop the printer when t e same has made one revolution.

76. In mechanism as set forth in claim 7 4, a cam carried by the clutchadapted to engage an arm on said lever and return it to position todisengage. the clutch and stop the rotation of the printer when it hasmade one revolution.

77. In mechanism as set forth in claim 74, a vibrating memberoperatively con-;. nected withfthe lever; and a spring pressed pinengaged with said member; with a removable meter carrying mechanism forregistering the number of operations of the printer; meansin said meterfor locking the registering mechanism, and devices in said ineterwhereby when the rigistering mechanism is locked and the meter is in themachine the said pin is arrested in such position that it will throughits connections prevent said lever releasing the clutch. 78. Inmechanism as set forth in claim 74, a link connected with the clutchengaging lever; a swingable member, connected with said link; and aspring pressed pin urging the member in one direction; with a metercarrying the printer and mechanism for registering the number ofoperations of the printer; devices in said meter for locking theregistering mechanism; and devices 120 in said meter whereby when theregistering mechanism is locked the in is arrested in such position thatit wilIt rough its connections prevent said lever releasing the clutch.79. In mechanism as specified in claim 74, a printer carrying spindlehaving a key;- and a member having a slot adapted to be engaged by saidkey, said member being connected with the clutch member.

80. In combination with mechanism as set forth in claim 74, means forinking the printer; a movable support for" the inking means; and adevice connected with said support whereby when the inker is moved outof'operative position the trip link -cannot be operated by the trip andthe printer is prevented from operating.

81. In combination with mechanism as set forth in claim 74, means forinking the printer; a swingable support for the inkin 'means; and a cammember connected wit said support adapted when the inker has moved outof operative position to engage 1 rested in such position that it wiloperations of the printer;

the trip link and hold her; wit a nism for registerlng the number ofoperaconnect pressedpm urging 'tion; with'a it out of engagement withthe trip arm, the clutch releasing mechanism being thereby. tive and theprinter preve ing.

82. In mechanism as set iorth in claim 74, means for automaticallydisengaging the trip link from the trip arm to permit the stop to moveto the position to engage the lever and cause it to disengage t and stopthe printer when the same has made one revolution; ,a cam carried by theclutch from operate adapted to engage an arm on'said lever and returnitto position to disengage the clutch and stop the rotation of the printerwhen it has made one revolution.-

83. In mechanismas set means. for automatically disengaging the triplink from the trip arm to permit the stop tomove to the position toengage the lever'and cause it to disengage and stop the printer when thesame has made one revolution; ,a vibrating member operatively connectedwith the lever; and a spring ressed pin engaged with said memr removablemeter carrying mechations of the printer; means in said meter forlocking the registering mechanism, and

devices in said meter whereby when the registering meter is in in isarthrough its connections prevent saidlever releasing the clutch.

' 84. In mechanism as set forth infclaim 7 4, means for automaticallydisengaging the trip link from the the machine the said disengage theclutch has made a link connected with the lever';-a swingable member,

said link;

the member in one direc meter carrying the printer and for registeringthe number of devices in said the registering mechanism, when the onerevolution; clutch engaging ed with mechanism meter for locking anddevices in 'said meter whereby registering mechanism is p arrested'insuch position that it will through 74, means for automatically 'stop tomove to position to stop I the printer rendered inefieclever and causeit to disengage iorth in'claim 74,

the clutch mechanism is locked and the.

, tively connected pressed pin engaged withsaid trip arm to p'er'mit thestop to movet o the position to engage the lever and cause it to andstop the printer when the same registering mechanism, and

and a spring 7 4, a cam carried engage an to lockedthe pin is;

one revoluti'on'; a link connected with the the clutch;

85. In mechanism as set forth in claim disengaging the trip link fromthe trip arm to permit the engage the lever the clutch and when the samehas made -one revolution; a printer carrying spindle having a key; and amember having a slot and cause it to disengage adapted to be engaged bysaid key, said member being connected with the clutch member.

86. In mechanism as set'forth in claim 7 4, means for automaticallydisengaging the trip link from the stop to move to'the position toengage the the clutch and stop the printer when the same has made onerevolution; means i for inkin the printer; a movable support for theinking means; and a device connected with said support whereby when theinker is moved out of operative position the trip link cannot beoperated by the trip and the printer is revented from operating.

its connections prevent said lever releasing trip arm to permit the y87. In mechanism as set forth in claim I 7 4, means forautomatically,disengaging the trip link from' the trip arm to stop tomove to the position to engage the lever and cause it to disengage theclutch and stop the printer when the same has permit the made onerevolution; means for inking the printer; a swinging support for theinkin means; and acam member connected wit lOO said support adapted whenthe 'inker has moved out of operative position to engage the trip linkand hold it out of enga ement with the trip. arm; the clutch re easingmechanism being thereby rendered ineflective and the printer preventedfrom operating I I 74, a cam carried by the clutch adapted to engage anarm on said lever and retur it to posit-ion to disengage the clutch andtop the rotation of the printer when it has made one revolution;

' withthe lever and a s ring: embemwith a removable metercarrying'echanism fpr registeringthe'number of o erations' t t the printer;means in meter whereby when the registering'imechw, nism is locked andthe meter is iii the machine the said pin-isarrested in uch posii ct nsp'retion that it will throu vent said lever releasing the cluteh. v 189. In mechanism as set fiforth 'in claim! by' the clutch} adapted toarm on said-lev r and return it sition to disengage the the rotation ofthe printer when it has made a vibrating member opera- 7' saidmefer/for'loclnngthe 1" 5 v devices ;in said} latch. and stop

